Investigating agencies offer few deatils as they enter third week of inquiry into the death of Robert Baltimore, 34, of New Orleans, who was incarcerated at David Wade Correctional Center in Homer.

HOMER – Louisiana State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigations are jointly investigating the death of an inmate who died while in restraints at David Wade Correctional Center.

Few details are being released as the investigation enters its third week. No timeline has been given on when it will be completed.

Trooper Albert Paxton identified the inmate at Robert Baltimore, 34. His death was reported July 15 to state police investigators by the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office.

The cause of the “unexpected” death has not been determined, said Pam Laborde, Department of Corrections communications director. Because of the ongoing investigation, Laborde referred additional questions to state police.

The initial complaint, provided verbally by Paxton, only gives Baltimore’s name and age, the date his death was reported and the reporting agency.

No details were given by FBI spokeswoman Mary Beth Haskins, who confirmed their involvement in the “civil rights matter.”

Baltimore’s death while in the hands of law enforcement comes as violent encounters between citizens and law enforcement are grabbing local and national headlines.

Rioting has marred a St. Louis, Mo., neighborhood after an unarmed 18-year-old man was shot to death Sunday by a police officer following a scuffle. Friday, Louisiana State Police announced the death of a wanted Dallas, Texas, man who swallowed suspected narcotics during a traffic stop. A Taser was used several times to subdue him prior to his transport to a Bossier City hospital where he died. Last month, a New York City man died after being put into a chokehold by a NYPD officer.

Then there are the deaths that occurred this year in Sabine Parish at the inmates’ own hands while behind bars. Two jailed men committed suicide by hanging themselves with bed sheets. One death was reported in February and the other in June.

Baltimore, of New Orleans, was serving time for a 1999 manslaughter conviction. He was originally charged with second-degree murder in the 1998 shooting death of his cousin after the two argued over a box of children’s cookies.

An obituary appearing in the July 22 edition of the New Orleans Advocate includes Baltimore’s nickname, “Lil Dude.” His funeral was held July 24 in New Orleans. There is no mention of his incarceration or circumstances of his death in the brief write-up.